Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Solomon Islands Red Cross volunteers interim committee met on February 12, 2008 to discuss coming activities for the local Red Cross volunteers at the National Headquarters.According to Aloysius Erobaea (acting SIRC volunteers committee chairman) the agenda of the meeting that day included;1. The Red Cross volunteers committee to look at a proposed program for an Orientation session for new and present SIRC volunteers which would be held on the Thursday 21st February 2008.2. Discussion was also on how to inform the present volunteers and interest people from public who would like to attend that orientation session.3. Formulated a small financial budget to cover transportation cost to drop volunteers/ potential volunteers at the meeting and a light refreshment after the session for those would attend the volunteers orientation session.4. Discussed an initiative to draw up a volunteer 2008 action plan in relation to the volunteers support to SIRC programs and activities.Mr. Aloysius said the need for 2008 volunteers action plan is to improve the organization and services of the volunteers.Prior to the action plan, Mr. Niniu Oligao (SIRC Dissemination officer) suggested during the meeting there is a need for the committee to check with SIRC program officers on what planned activities they would need all volunteers to team to assist. The interim volunteers committee consists of all volunteers elected towards the end of 2007. Its roles are to organize SIRC volunteers at the national headquarters to assist in programs and disaster response activities and as a focal point the SIRC Volunteers management can work with in decision makings, volunteers development initiatives and discussing matters concerning volunteers of the local Red Cross.The Solomon Islands Red Cross volunteers committee and volunteers management would like to thank the hard working volunteers for their commitments and dedications to help the vulnerable communities in 2007. And they are looking forward for another year of teamwork and empowerments among the Red Cross people.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.